posted December 22, 2004 05:33 PM            

BAGHDAD, Iraq

U.S. troops, holding a Christmas party on Wednesday, celebrated with music, a Christmas tree and even a visit from Santa to their base at Baghdad International Airport.

Soldiers played jazzy Christmas tunes on a piano and a clarinet. Those who attended said that even though they were far from home, they were celebrating the holiday with their Iraqi friends.

"I'm with my soldiers; I'm with the people of Baghdad, and right now that's my family," said Brigadier Gen. Jeffery Hammond, of the 1st Cavalry Division. "So I'm very happy."

The U.S. Army's 1st Cavalry Division is based at Camp Victory, on the airport's premises. The Christmas party was one of several events to mark the holidays.

Iraqi journalists, middle-ranking officials, and civilians working at Camp Victory were invited to the party. But they refused to be filmed by an APTN crew for fear that militants would target them for collaborating with what militants consider to be "enemy forces."

The American soldiers explained to the Iraqis at the party how Christmas traditions are celebrated in the United States.

"Christmas is in your heart, it's in your spirit, and you celebrate it wherever it's at," Staff Sergeant Merrion La Sonde said.

"And we're here in Iraq and we're able to, maybe, share a little bit of our Christmas spirit, which is basically just the love and partnership and friendship with everybody."

posted December 23, 2004 04:37 PM              

... I'll meet you 'round the bend my friend, where hearts can heal and souls can mend...

Saturday, December 18, 2004

Christmas Wishlist...
I have to make this fast.

No electricity for three days in a row (well, unless you count that glorious hour we got 3 days ago...). Generators on gasoline are hardly working at all.

Generators on diesel fuel aren't faring much better- most will only work for 3 or 4 straight hours then they have to be turned off to rest.

Ok- what is the typical Iraqi Christmas wishlist (I won't list 'peace', 'security' and 'freedom' - Christmas miracles are exclusive to Charles Dickens), let's see:

1. 20 liters of gasoline
2. A cylinder of gas for cooking
3. Kerosene for the heaters
4. Those expensive blast-proof windows
5. Landmine detectors
6. Running water
7. Thuraya satellite phones (the mobile phone services are really, really bad of late)
8. Portable diesel generators (for the whole family to enjoy!)
9. Coleman rechargeable flashlight with extra batteries (you can never go wrong with a fancy flashlight)
10. Scented candles (it shows you care- but you're also practical)

When Santa delivers please make sure he is wearing a bullet-proof vest and helmet. He should also politely ring the doorbell or knock, as a more subtle entry might bring him face to face with an AK-47.

With the current fuel shortage, reindeer and a sleigh are highly practical- but Rudolph should be left behind as the flashing red nose might create a bomb scare (we're all a little jumpy lately).

posted December 23, 2004 04:54 PM              

quote:

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...Camp Marez

...the investigation into the deadly attack continues but it appears the bomb was detonated inside the Camp Marez mess hall. The explosion killed 22 people, including 14 American soldiers.

In addition to the 14 soldiers, the blast Tuesday (21) killed four U.S. civilian contractors, three Iraqi security forces and an unidentified non-American.

Pentagon officials said another 69 people, including 44 soldiers, were wounded in the attack.

Thirty-five soldiers and civilians have been transferred to a U.S. military hospital in Germany for treatment.

Nearly half of the 35 wounded are in critical condition, said Col. Rhonda Cornum, commander of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center...

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posted December 23, 2004 06:31 PM              

here is something more tasteful that jwhop could've posted

+++++++++++++++

Today, we had a rocket attack that took a lot of lives. Any time of the year it's a time of sorrow and sadness when we lose a loss of life. This time of year is particularly sorrowful for the families as we head into the Christmas season. We pray for them. We send our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones who suffer today. Just want them to know that the mission is a vital mission for peace. The idea of a democracy taking hold in what was a place of tyranny and hatred and destruction is -- is such a hopeful moment in the history of the world.

And I want to thank the soldiers who are there, and thank those who have sacrificed, and the families who are worried about them during this Christmas season, for their sacrifice.
**********

During the holidays, we also keep in our thoughts and prayers the men and women of our Armed Forces -- especially those far from home, separated from family and friends by the call of duty. In Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere, these courageous Americans are fighting the enemies of freedom and protecting our country from danger. By bringing liberty to the oppressed, our troops are defending the freedom and security of us all. They and their families are making many sacrifices for our Nation, and all Americans are deeply grateful.

Laura joins me in wishing all Americans a Merry Christmas.

GEORGE W. BUSH

*********

MR. McCLELLAN: John, what we are focused on is working with the Iraqi people and the Iraqi security forces to defeat the terrorists and defeat the Saddam loyalists. Our men and women understand the stakes involved. They understand -- our men and women in uniform understand the importance of the mission. They know that this mission is critical to the safety and security of the free world. And we appreciate their service and sacrifice. We are forever grateful for those who have fallen in defense of freedom and building a better future for the Iraqi people.